The Italian luxury brand Gucci has opened a new store in the Meatpacking District of New York City, on the corner of W 14th Street and 9th Avenue. The store extends over two floors and measures around 840 square meters. Shoes, handbags, luggage and Gucci beauty for men and women are presented on the ground floor, while the upper floor is reserved for clothing and an exclusive area for private appointments.
The store’s design is influenced by New York and the hometown of Florence. The metal lattice ceilings evoke the industrial character of the neighborhood and provide a geometric counterpoint to the sweeping staircase with gleaming mirror tiles and two U-shaped booths for displaying selected items. Lacquered cement flooring is inspired by historic Florentine marble motifs, while reflective columns reflect classic Italian architecture.
The new store in the Meatpacking District also embodies Gucci’s efforts to progressively implement sustainability aspects such as energy efficiency and recycling in stores worldwide. The interior of the shop consists of restored second-hand furniture, while the surfaces are decorated with more environmentally friendly fabrics and materials such as Demetra. The cruelty-free textile developed by Gucci consists of 78 percent plants and is made from renewable and bio-based sources. In addition, the two changing rooms have been decorated with upcycled archival fabrics from previous collections of the house.
The site is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified and uses 100 percent renewable energy and LED lighting. Gucci belongs to the French luxury goods group Kering, which also owns brands such as Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Brioni, etc.